From cadet to master: sea service, exams and revalidation
1The lesson in plain words
Indian deck officers climb three steps: second mate, chief mate and master. Each needs sea service, approved courses and an examination.
Getting in
There are two main pre-sea routes. The Diploma in Nautical Science (DNS) is one year ashore, followed by about 18 months of sea service as a cadet. The B.Sc. Nautical Science is three years ashore, followed by about 12 months at sea. Entry is through the Indian Maritime University entrance test, with fitness and eyesight standards. During sea service you complete a Training Record Book under a structured shipboard programme.
Second mate
The Second Mate (FG) certificate of competency (CoC), where FG means foreign-going, is the Indian STCW II/1 watchkeeping certificate for ships of at least 500 gross tonnage (GT). You need qualifying service, a completed Training Record Book and approved courses, including advanced fire-fighting, medical first aid, survival craft, radar, the electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS), and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS). Complete the competency course and pass written and oral exams at a Mercantile Marine Department (MMD).
Chief mate and master
For Chief Mate (FG), complete the required watchkeeping-officer service, two-phase competency course and MMD exams. For Master (FG), complete the required officer service, advanced shipboard management course and exams. Before applying, check the current DGMA rules and orders for the exact months, qualifying rank and tonnage. Use the notified requirements rather than an approximate career-summary figure.
Revalidation
Every five years you must revalidate your CoC. That needs at least 12 months' sea service in the last five years, or 3 months in the last six months. If you do not meet these sea-service options, check which approved alternative DGMA accepts, such as equivalent duties or an approved test or course. Refresher training is needed for the STCW proficiencies too, such as basic training and advanced fire-fighting.
The rules behind it
These requirements come from the Merchant Shipping (STCW for Seafarers) Rules 2014 and DGMA orders, which stay in force under section 324(2) of the 2025 Act until revoked or replaced. New STCW Rules under Part IV of the 2025 Act were published as drafts for comment. Before each step, read the current DGMA notices. On a foreign-flag ship you also need that flag's endorsement of your Indian CoC.
2Key data
- DNS route
- 1 year ashore + about 18 months at sea
- B.Sc. Nautical Science route
- 3 years ashore + about 12 months at sea
- Second Mate (FG)
- STCW II/1 watchkeeping officer; ships of 500 GT or more
- Master (FG) guidance
- Qualifying officer service: check current DGMA rules and orders
- Revalidation
- Every 5 years: 12 months in 5 years or 3 in last 6
- Exams
- DGMA written and oral, at the MMDs
3Key points
- 1
Two pre-sea routes: DNS plus about 18 months at sea, or a B.Sc. plus about 12 months.
- 2
Second Mate (FG) is the STCW II/1 watchkeeping certificate.
- 3
Each grade needs sea service, courses and DGMA exams at an MMD.
- 4
Revalidate every five years: 12 months in five years or 3 months in the last six.
4Frequent mistakes
Wrong: Sea service on any vessel counts the same towards your CoC.
Right: Only approved service of the right kind, tonnage and capacity counts. Check the DGMA requirement.
Wrong: Your CoC stays valid as long as your CDC does.
Right: Revalidate your CoC every five years through qualifying sea service or another DGMA-approved route.
Wrong: An Indian CoC is all you need on a Panama-flag ship.
Right: You also need Panama's endorsement attesting recognition of your CoC.
5Practice case & exam keys
A chief officer has spent four years ashore as a superintendent. His CoC expires in two months. In the last five years he has 8 months' sea service, none in the last six months. Can he revalidate on sea service alone?
Show the answer
No. He has less than 12 months in five years and nothing in the last six months. Ask DGMA whether his superintendent duties qualify; otherwise complete the approved alternative it requires. He should also check his STCW refresher courses and medical, and apply through e-Samudra in good time.
Exam keys
- Pre-sea DNS (+~18 months) or B.Sc. Nautical Science (+~12 months); Training Record Book.
- Second Mate (FG) = STCW II/1; Chief Mate (FG) and Master (FG) = STCW II/2.
- DGMA written and oral exams at MMDs; competency courses.
- Revalidation every 5 years; STCW Rules 2014 continue until revoked or replaced (s. 324(2)).
Finish this unit
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